Mikel Arteta is reportedly facing a difficult decision regarding Eberechi Eze’s future role at Arsenal, with the England international struggling to establish himself as a regular starter following a series of disappointing performances.
The former Crystal Palace star arrived at the Emirates Stadium with enormous expectations, but his recent form has raised serious questions about whether he can consistently deliver the performances required to become one of the first names on Arteta’s team sheet.
Eze was given an opportunity to prove his worth during Arsenal’s recent Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest, but his performance failed to convince the manager. Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances during the first half, and Arteta decided to replace him with Noni Madueke at the interval. The decision ultimately proved effective, as Madueke scored the winning goal to secure a crucial 1-0 victory for the Gunners.
The substitution has intensified the debate surrounding Eze’s place in the squad, with questions emerging about whether he can adapt to Arteta’s tactical demands and compete with the other attacking players fighting for starting positions.
Although Eze possesses tremendous technical ability, creativity and the capacity to produce moments of individual brilliance, Arsenal need consistent performances from every attacking player if they are to maintain their ambitions of winning major trophies this season.
The problem for Eze is that competition for places at Arsenal has become increasingly fierce. Arteta has several attacking options available, and players who fail to take advantage of their opportunities risk finding themselves on the substitutes’ bench.
Noni Madueke’s recent contribution has strengthened his case for more playing time, while Martin Odegaard remains an important option in the attacking midfield position. With other talented players also competing for opportunities, Eze must demonstrate that he can offer something different and effective whenever he is selected.
The concern is not simply about one disappointing performance. It is about Eze’s ability to maintain the consistency required at a club where expectations are exceptionally high. Arsenal cannot afford to carry attacking players who struggle to influence important matches, particularly when they are competing against some of the strongest teams in England and Europe.
Eze enjoyed an impressive reputation during his time at Crystal Palace, where he was admired for his dribbling, close control, creativity and ability to score spectacular goals. His performances made him one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in English football, and Arsenal supporters expected him to bring those qualities to the Emirates Stadium.
However, translating individual brilliance into consistent performances within Arteta’s system has proved challenging. Arsenal demand tactical discipline, intelligent movement, effective pressing and a willingness to contribute defensively. Attacking players must also understand when to move into central positions and when to provide width to stretch opposition defences.
Eze has the ability to influence matches, but he needs to demonstrate that he can perform these responsibilities consistently while still expressing his natural creativity.
His situation has become particularly complicated because Arsenal are fighting to defend their Premier League title while also pursuing success in the Champions League. Every match carries significant importance, and Arteta must make difficult selection decisions to ensure his team remains competitive across multiple competitions.
For Eze, that means there may be fewer opportunities to work his way back into the starting eleven if his performances do not improve quickly.
Arteta has previously indicated that players must earn their places through their performances in training and their contributions during matches. He has also praised Eze’s attitude and suggested that the team must learn to make the most of his qualities.
That means the midfielder’s future opportunities will depend on how effectively he responds to the current challenge.
Rather than guaranteeing him a starting position because of his reputation or transfer fee, Arteta is likely to prioritise players who provide the greatest tactical benefit to the team in each particular match.
Madueke’s performance against Nottingham Forest provided a clear example of how quickly the situation can change. After replacing Eze, the winger brought a different attacking threat and eventually scored the goal that secured all three points for Arsenal.
Such performances inevitably increase competition within the squad. When a substitute comes onto the pitch and makes an immediate difference, the manager has a strong reason to consider giving that player another opportunity from the beginning.
Eze must now respond by showing greater confidence, making more decisive attacking movements and becoming more influential in the final third.
One of the biggest challenges facing the midfielder is finding the right position within Arteta’s tactical structure. Eze is particularly dangerous when he receives the ball between the opposition’s midfield and defensive lines, where he can turn, carry the ball forward and create opportunities for his teammates.
However, when he is positioned too wide or isolated from the rest of the attack, his influence can become limited. Arsenal must find ways to involve him more effectively, but Eze must also demonstrate that he can adapt when the manager asks him to perform a different role.
His technical qualities have never been the main question. The issue is whether he can consistently turn those qualities into performances that help Arsenal win matches.
Supporters will understandably be concerned if a player with Eze’s talent continues to struggle for regular minutes. Arsenal invested heavily in strengthening their attacking options because they want to compete for the biggest trophies, and every signing is expected to make a meaningful contribution.
Nevertheless, it would be premature to conclude that Eze’s Arsenal career cannot succeed. Footballers frequently experience difficult periods when adapting to a new club, a different tactical system or increased competition for places.
The important question is how he responds to the pressure.
If Eze can rediscover the confidence and attacking freedom that made him so effective at Crystal Palace, he still has the potential to become an important player for Arsenal. His ability to carry the ball, unlock compact defences and produce unexpected moments could prove valuable during the demanding months ahead.
But he cannot afford to allow the situation to continue without improvement.
Arsenal have important Premier League fixtures and Champions League encounters approaching, and Arteta will need every member of his squad to be ready when called upon. Eze must use every training session and substitute appearance as an opportunity to demonstrate that he deserves a more prominent role.
For now, the recent substitution against Nottingham Forest has increased the pressure on the England international. His position in the starting eleven is far from secure, and other attacking players are making strong cases for greater involvement.
Although it has not been officially confirmed that Arteta has ruled out Eze as a regular starter, the current situation suggests that the midfielder must improve his performances if he wants to establish himself as a consistent first-team choice.
The coming weeks could therefore become a defining period in Eze’s Arsenal career. He has the talent to silence his critics, but talent alone will not guarantee him a place in a team competing for the biggest honours.
Arteta wants results, consistency and players who can execute his tactical instructions under pressure. Eze must demonstrate that he can provide all three.